“It’s kind of a weird thing,’’ Hemer said, “because a lot of players don’t ever get to experience this. I’ve seen it all and done it all in Pasadena. But this is a very special opportunity so few people get.’’

In the 2011 Rose Bowl, Hemer was a starter upfront along with Patrick Butrym, Louis Nzegwu and J.J. Watt, a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL with the Houston Texans.

Hemer, Butrym, Nzegwu and Brendan Kelly were the starting front four in the 2012 Rose Bowl. Taylor and Chris Borland were the linebackers in a scheme that featured five defensive backs.

Reflecting on the two previous trips to Pasadena, Hemer, said, ‘That first year, you kind of take it all in. Last year, I felt more confident. This year, I’m definitely going to be locked into the task at hand.’’

Stanford poses no small task. Nobody was hotter in November.

“I see a physical, disciplined team that doesn’t beat themselves,’’ Hemer pointed out. “We’re going to have to go there and beat them. The same could be said about us.’’

Offensively, there are many common threads.

“A lot of the stuff they do on offense is similar to our offense,’’ Hemer said. “So it helps when we’ve been doing a lot more ones versus ones, good on good, trying to get that feel for them.

“At the same time, Stanford is a team with its own unique trades (shifts) and motions. They put a lot of guys on the line to get the defense misaligned. That’s something we’ll need to prepare for.’’

In early November, Kevin Hogan took over as Stanford’s starting quarterback, replacing Josh Nunes. And it has made a world of difference in how the Cardinal can attack an opposing defense.

“He (Hogan) gives them a lot more options, which is the best way to put it,’’ Hemer said of Hogan’s running and passing skills. “They can run more stuff with him than the other guy.

“Like I said, they’re a very physical team that plays power football, same as us. I’m really excited to see where this game goes. Stanford is now a program that recycles and reloads.’’

On the heels of three straight Rose Bowls, the same could also be said of Wisconsin.

Obviously, though, the on-going coaching transition can’t be ignored.

Alluding to head coach Bret Bielema’s departure to Arkansas and all of the assistants who have committed to other jobs during the bowl prep, Hemer said, “No question, it can be really difficult.’’

But this group of players has been thrown more than its fair share of curveballs this year.

“That’s the amazing part,’’ Hemer said. “This team has been able to put all of the distractions out of our minds and focus on football when we come here (Camp Randall Stadium). I’m so happy to be a part of a team that can lock in and have great practices with all of this going on.’’

Hemer credited the presence of interim coach Barry Alvarez for stabilizing things. “There’s just an aura of swagger and confidence with the man,’’ he said. “When you were growing up, you were watching his teams on Saturday and watching him coach. For him to be a part of this is pretty special.’’

Reassessing the exodus of so many coaches, Hemer said, “I’m not going to let it get me down. I came here for more than a head coach or a position coach. This place is bigger than any one man.’’

After Saturday’s practice, the players toured the refurbished corridor outside of the new locker room in the McClain Facility. The adorned walls provide a ringing endorsement of the program’s history.

The permanence of it all resonated with Hemer during this time of flux.

“We have good players and a lot of talent here,’’ Hemer said. “Whoever our head coach is going to be next season, he’s going to be a good coach, and we’re going to have success."